Backpacking fundamentals HOW TO PACK A BACKPACK BY CRAIG MACARTNEY
Looking for the ultimate camping experience? Backpacking is a must- try. But don't let excitement carry you off unprepared. Backpacking is more challenging than camping. For the inexperienced, never fear. The follow- ing pointers will get you on the trail and back planning future adventures. The first thing you need when
planning a backpacking trip is suit- able partner. Only the very experi- enced should try backpacking alone. But let's face it, any adventure is bet- ter with friends by your side celebrat- ing victories and sharing the load. Good partners aren’t necessarily on the same level as you. If you do not have much experience, find a part- ner who has been on the trail before. Most important, find someone with the same hiking goals. For example, some prefer hiking short distances at a relaxed pace, never far from the parking lot. Others love braving the wilderness with only a map and compass pointing the way. Some bring nothing but the essentials, while others pack as much as they can carry; including the kitchen sink. Partners who share common goals will avoid many problems. The next thing to consider –
choose the right trail. Is the trail too steep? Does it pass through high and dry ground or meander through a marsh? (Marshy regions are often buggy.) Is your trail a loop or does it run end to end? If you chose a trail that doesn’t loop back to the car, make arrangements for a ride home. Now it’s time to map your route. Consider your water supply, what permits you need, special fire regu- lations, weather, and the duration. Inexperienced backpackers should plan no more than 10 to 15 kilome- tres a day over flat ground. Camp near water supplies (e.g. lakes or
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flowing water) making meal prepara- tion easier. Bring clothes for all weather and
pack extra socks. Hiking with wet socks is miserable and can cause blisters. Wrapping your clothes in plastic bags will keep them dry even in a downpour. Plan carefully what to pack and bring only the essentials. A good way to cut extra weight is bringing an ultra-light sleeping bag, a single burner camp stove, and a small tent. Know ahead how much you can carry and distribute the heavy gear. Before leaving, check all your gear to be sure it's working. Never leave home without a small first aid kit, map and compass. These tools will prove invaluable if anything goes wrong. Know how to use them and track your trip on the map. Experienced campers know you eat
more out in the woods than at home. This is truer still for hikers as they are burning so much energy. Compen- sate by eating plenty of high-energy snacks, and packing extra food. Stick with meals that weigh less like hot cereal, soup, stew and pastas. Avoid canned food at all costs. Not only are cans heavy but you have to pack the empty metal out. As with any camp- ing, store your food well away from your tent to avoid attracting animals. Finally remember, staying hydrated is absolutely essential. Always carry more water than you need. Although water is heavy, you are better off carrying too much than find- ing yourself swallowing the last drops wondering where to fill up. Properly prepared backpacking
offers exciting adventure every time.
Here’s what to keep in mind. • If the weight is not balanced prop- erly, neither will you. When too much weight is on one side, your pack will shift your weight and put you at risk going over rocky or slippery ground.
• Place your heaviest items closest to your back with only light and bulky items below the small of your back. Fill your pack evenly with the lightest things on the outside. Try to keep the centre of gravity as close as possible to the side with the straps.
• Tighten your straps. You want your pack to stay parallel to your upright body. The closer you can get it to line up with your back, the more control you will have and the better your balance will be.
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